PhD in Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Organization

Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Management invites applications for a three-year PhD scholarship at the intersection of supply chain management and organization studies. The project focuses on regenerative approaches to global agricultural commodity chains and involves fieldwork in Denmark and Kenya, with supervision by DTU and the University of Nairobi.

You will engage in literature-based and empirical research, contribute to a structured PhD program, and collaborate with international

Qualifications

• Two-year masters degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Educational background in social sciences.
• Interest in sustainability and regenerative systems.
• Familiarity with supply chain management or organization studies.
• Strong English speaking and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how global agricultural commodity chains can be managed based on regenerative principles.
• Develop an international, interdisciplinary research profile at the intersection of organization studies and supply chain management.
• Follow the DTU Management PhD Program structure including research, coursework, teaching, and development.

Skills

Two-year masters degree

Social sciences

Sustainability

Supply chain management

Organization studies

Education

Master's degree (2-year) or equivalent

Social sciences background

Job description

Are you a collaborative and ambitious master's graduate with strong intercultural awareness and a curiosity for exploring sustainability challenges across different contexts and disciplines? Would you like to help shape the next generation of sustainable and regenerative global supply chains through a unique collaboration between the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Nairobi, Kenya? DTU Management (Department of Technology, Management, and Economics) invites applications for a three-year PhD scholarship at the intersection of supply chain management and organization studies. Focusing on global agricultural commodity chains, the project explores how supply chains can create positive environmental and social impacts rather than simply reducing negative ones. It examines regenerative approaches that renew ecological and social systems while being collectively organized with local communities. The PhD position is anchored at DTU Management and contributes to the department's strategic focus on developing viable and sustainable systems. You will join an international research environment at the forefront of sustainable supply chain management and organization studies, collaborating with researchers and partners in Denmark and Kenya. The project combines literature-based and empirical research on regenerative agri-food supply chains with fieldwork and data collection in Denmark and Kenya. The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Lærke Højgaard Christiansen and Assistant Professor Lara Schilling at DTU and will include an extended research stay at the University of Nairobi under the co-supervision of Senior Lecturer Thomas Ombati and Lecturer Veronica Wambui Mwangi. Based in Copenhagen - consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities - you will enjoy a high quality of life, a safe and sustainable urban environment, and a thriving cultural scene. At the same time, you'll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community at one of Europe's top technical universities, known for its commitment to innovation, societal impact, and diversity.

Responsibilities and qualifications

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how global agricultural commodity chains, such as tea or coffee, can be managed based on regenerative principles. The project offers a unique opportunity to develop an international and interdisciplinary research profile at the intersection of organization studies and supply chain management. As part of the DTU Management PhD Program, you will follow a structured research and training program that combines independent research, academic coursework, teaching, and professional development.

• You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
• An educational background in the social sciences
• A familiarity with supply chain management, organization studies, or related fields such as (human) geography
• Have a strong interest in sustainability, regenerative systems, and the organization of global supply chains
• Strong speaking and writing skills in English

Further, the following qualities will be valued highly in the assessment:

• Research vision and potential
• Evidence of academic accomplishment (e.g., high grades, timely graduation)
• Knowledge and experience with qualitative research methods and empirical fieldwork
• Scholarly/academic writing skills
• Familiarity with Kenya’s socio-cultural context, or experience in settings with transferable relevance, is desirable but not required.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The envisaged starting date is as soon as possible. The position is a full-time position. You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Lara Schilling ([e-mail]) and Lærke Højgaard Christiansen ([e-mail]). You can read more about the Department of Technology, Management and Economics at https://www.man.dtu.dk/english. If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup "Zoom" seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Eligibility and background checks

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About DTU Management

DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals.

The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 250+ employees with around half of staff coming from abroad.

DTU - For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities.

Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development.

Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society.

DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture.

DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.